The deck is too sunny. The deck is too windy. The deck exposes us to the neighbors." Customers might not blame you for these issues, but do you want to take that chance? Instead, by considering the site conditions before starting the design, you can anticipate and solve these problems  and you may sell some upgrades that end up pleasing your customers in ways they didn't expect. Happy customers and more money in your wallet  that's how to do it.

Too many decks are sterile or bland, and others just seem raw and uninviting. There are, however, a number of ways to make decks more hospitable and functional, not to mention more profitable. You can easily enhance any of the designs in this article, for instance, by building in planters  I think most people are drawn to decks softened by plants.

Even a small arched trellis at the head of the stairs and post lights (perhaps doubling as bird-feeder supports) can provide visual limits to the deck area, thus creating a more intimate feeling in a wide-open space. With these types of details, the simplest deck can become a space where your customer loves to spend the weekend.

Sun and Shade If the solar orientation of the deck is to the south or west, the summer sun glaring down all day is likely to overpower an awning or table umbrella. A simple pergola or trellis can provide comforting home environment.

HOBO U30/NRC Weather Station Starter Kit is a new weather monitoring kit that combines the company's most rugged, research-grade data logging weather station with a suite of plug-and-play weather sensors.